GRIMSBY sprinter Zac Shaw is keen to put last year to the back of his mind and catapult himself into what could be an exciting season on the track.

The partially-sighted 100m and 200m ace did have the highs of competing at big international competitions in 2018 – but he was left disappointed with himself as he thought he did not perform to his potential.

He represented his country on Australia’s Gold Coast at the Commonwealth Games and in Berlin at the World Para Athletics European Championships. He had high hopes of an individual medal which did not materialise.

But that’s in the past – Shaw is now part of a fresh set-up and has new goals.

He said: “Last year, although I got a gold in the relay at the Europeans, it was the worst year I have had individually. I was way off the times I am capable off.

“But then there was light at the end of a dark tunnel. I changed my coach to Leon Baptiste. He is an amazing coach and has a quality group.

“I am regaining confidence that I can do it at the top level. I have had to do a lot of digging deep. Mentally, I have had to find an inner belief.”

Shaw’s new Loughbrough-based training group has reinvigorated him, and he now has the carrot of the World Championships in Dubai at the end of the year dangling in front of him – provided he can find the form and times needed for selection.

And even further on the horizon, next year is the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Zac Shaw competes in the Men's 100m T12 Round One Heat One during the IPC World Para Athletics Championships 2017 in London (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

That’s a long way off, but Shaw is currently in good indoor form, having clocked an equal personal best of 7.30 in the quickfire 60m.

“I just want to find the real Zac,” he added.

“This year is about getting back to what I am about and getting back on track.”